Shelton school board vacancy filled quickly

Shelton Board of Education Chairman Mark Holden and new member Mandy Kilmartin.

Shelton Board of Education Chairman Mark Holden and new member Mandy Kilmartin.

Photo: Contributed /

Photo: Contributed /

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Shelton Board of Education Chairman Mark Holden and new member Mandy Kilmartin.

Shelton Board of Education Chairman Mark Holden and new member Mandy Kilmartin.

Photo: Contributed /

Shelton school board vacancy filled quickly

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SHELTON — A seat vacated by the Sept. 1 resignation of longtime Board of Education member Arlene Liscinsky didn’t stay empty for long.

On Tuesday morning, Amanda “Mandy” Kilmartin, was sworn in to fill the seat between now and the general election on Nov. 7, when all nine seats will be up for grabs.

Kilmartin, 42, is a Democrat, as was Liscinsky, and is running for a full term on the panel. Kilmartin was chosen as Liscinsky’s replacement by the remaining three Democrats on the board: Dave Gioiello, Faith Hack and Kate Kutash.

“I feel I already have a good understanding of what is going on, but it is an advantage to know and see how things are run,” said Kilmartin, who already attended a school board retreat held in August.

Kilmartin and her husband have lived in Shelton since 2006. They have two boys, one at Booth Hill and the other at Shelton Intermediate School. Active in the Booth Hill PTO, Kilmartin said her start in politics began with a fight for all-day kindergarten a few years back.

“She brings vitality and a parents viewpoint to the work,” Schools Superintendent Chris Clouet said. “I am glad she has joined the team.”

The board now has five Republicans and four Democrats. Only six board members are seeking re-election.